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About
Schmidt Another comedic lecture in Professor Payne's American
Social Studies course, or an overlong infomercial? I found
it disconcerting that a commercial for Childreach, the international
child sponsorship organization that is Jack Nicholson's character's
salvation, aired in the movie theater right before the critically
lauded film began. Admirable indeed, to "promote the
rights and interests of the world's children," but, just
as I like to choose my movies, I like to choose my charities.
That
said, About Schmidt offers an idiosyncratic look into
middle-class middle American lives—character studies
made unforgettable with an excellent ensemble cast àla
Citizen Ruth and Election.—KMH
The Big Picture This 1989 gem should be required viewing
for every film school grad. Once again, writer/director Christopher
Guest proves he is ahead of his time:
Building
Manager: You know who used to live here?
Nick: No I don't.
Building Manager: Take a guess. Very famous.
Nick: Clark Gable?
Building Manager: Nope. Guess again.
Nick: Marilyn Monroe?
Building Manager: Nope.
Nick: Errol Flynn?
Building Manager: You give up?
Nick: I give up.
Building Manager: Chuck Barris. The Gong Show
guy.—KMH
Confessions
of A Dangerous Mind With his latest endeavor, George Clooney
proves he possesses more than bankable good looks—he
also has an uncanny talent for directing. Utilizing genre-specific
film techniques, Clooney escorts the audience through the
adventures of Chuck Barris' life. There is a surprising subtlety
to the tone and performances in this picture given the strange
and often fantastic events therein. Are the incidents real?
Viewers won't care—they'll just be happy to have been
privy to the Confessions.—Jessie Nagel
Donnie
Darko Graham Greene's short story The Destructors is
the thematic thread tied to writer/director Richard Kelly
II's exceptional indie film. Apropos in these dark times.—KMH
The
Pianist Adrien Brody survives the ravages of WWII in the
streets and hiding places of Warsaw, and reveals with complexity
the systematic progression of freedom lost when the sheer
survival of his body, mind, and music becomes paramount.—COD
The Quiet American A slow-moving, intoxicating look
at love in Vietnam, and the American CIA's backing of a third-party
in the early 1950s—culminating in more than two decades
of the U.S.'s involvement in the country. Michael Caine displays
his usual brilliance. Brendan Fraser as the CIA operative;
how does he get such juicy roles?—COD
Editors Note: The Quiet American is based upon the
Graham Greene novel of the same name.
Real Woman Have Curves If you had to watch America
Ferrera without dialogue, her facial expressions and body
language would give all you need to know. Realistic and a
fresh look at feminism. There is no man bashing, and everybody
wins, even Mamá, who, it appears at first, doesn't,
but in the not-too-distant-future, will. A clash of cultures
and generations where all come out with their dignity and
self-worth intact. A terrific soundtrack as well.—Mamá
Kerrin
Reality
Television is no longer a guilty pleasure. All of us who
watch are just plain guilty. Leave it to The Simpsons
to point out the error of our ways. In "Helter Shelter,"
Homer and the family agree to reenact the 1800s time period
for the "Reality Channel":
Network Woman: The show's getting boring. We're losing
viewers.
Network Man: I have an idea. It's crazy, but it just
might work. Like it did last week, on another show. We bring
in the biggest, most famous star from a 70s sitcom whose
phone hasn't been disconnected.
Cut to
Marge opening the front door:
Marge:
Squiggy?
When Laverne
and Shirley's Squiggy fails to increase ratings, extreme
measures are taken:
Network
Man: All right, this still isn't working. Fixing this
show is going to take some original thinking. Everybody
pull out your TV remotes and start flipping around.
The episode
closes with the title Joe Millionaire spelled out in
dollar bills—and Homer popping them in his mouth.
Homer:
Mmmm . . . promo . . .—KMH
Unhook
the Stars What to watch on Mother's Day with the woman
who gave you life. Writer (with Helen Caldwell)/director Nick
Cassavetes creates a lovely thank you for his lovely mother,
Gena Rowlands.—KMH
The
United States of Whatever Paul McCartney protégé
and Tenacious D best friend Liam Lynch's musical flash of
brilliance. Punk rock phenomenal.—KMH
Y Tu Mamá También The caddish charmers
have a manifesto that includes such statements as: "Truth
is cool but unattainable." Ceci, the cool unattainable
woman they wish to seduce, has one as well: "You're not
allowed to contradict me." Ceci rules!
According to web design consultant Fernanda Dorsey, this road
trip from Mexico City to Oaxaca is a high school rite of passage—one
she took many times. And, although the Editor of WBTL
opines the boys are muy guapo, Fernanda says the rich boy/poor
boy characters are exaggerated stereotypes. Fernanda rules!—KMH
Last but not least . . .
Awards Season Understatements:
Lucy:
Let's face it Ethel. You don't win an Academy Award by patting
poodles on the head and crowning queens.—I Love
Lucy
William
H. Macy: Writers are nuts but also, the founders of
the feast.—Independent Spirit Awards 2003
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